Fashion Slab sits quietly just uphill from the more familiar Crack of Noon Buttress within Pine Creek Canyon, California. This mostly east-facing slab offers a refreshing variety of easy to moderate routes that invite climbers looking to hone skills on clean, textured rock without the crowds. The approach welcomes you with a short 10 to 12-minute walk along a southwest trending dirt path, beginning from a discreet parking spot just past the Pratt’s Crack turn-off on Pine Creek Road. The trail guides you through open, sunlit terrain toward a sand dune, before a brief scramble delivers you to the base of the sheer slab.

At an elevation of about 7,200 feet, Fashion Slab bakes gently under the morning sun but benefits from shade later in the day, making it a sensible choice for spring and fall outings. The rock itself presents a slabby, friction-dependent experience that rewards careful footwork and balance rather than brute strength. Climbers often praise the featured routes for their straightforward nature and clean lines, with “Blue Steel” garnering particular attention for its engaging pitch.

Among the classic climbs on this slab, Merman (5.7), Ewe Be Bad (5.7), and Shagai (5.8) stand out as reliable moderate options to start your session. Advances in difficulty include longer challenges like Catwalk (5.10a), Magnum (5.10c), and the well-rated Ewe'll Like It (5.11c) which ticks the boxes for seasoned climbers seeking a cool technical test. These routes have earned consistent ratings from the local community, reflecting balanced grading with no hint of sandbagging—a calibrated challenge for the Eastern Sierra.

The setting itself feels open and straightforward — no complicated navigation or prolonged bushwhacking. This means less time commuting, more time on the rock. The dirt/gravel turnout along Pine Creek Road is small but practical, and it's crucial to gauge your parking spot carefully since pushing past the creek crossing puts you off course. The scramble at the end is brief but does require mindful footing, especially if you arrive after morning dew or late-day moisture.

Protection here is standard for slab climbing: carry a full rack with nuts and cams to cover thin cracks, though fixed anchors simplify many descents and anchor set-ups. The rock is solid, with little loose debris to worry about, but climbers should always double-check gear placements as slabs offer less margin for error compared to vertical walls.

Descent from routes is typically a walk-off or short rappel; familiarizing yourself with the anchoring options beforehand is a good move. The wider Pine Creek Canyon surrounding this area offers sweeping views of the Eastern Sierra landscape, higher elevation forests, and nearby rock formations like Crack of Noon Buttress and Three Hour Buttress — perfect for timing a longer day out or combining multiple crags.

With its accessibility, moderate difficulty, and reliable rock, Fashion Slab appeals equally to those stepping up their trad game and to those who want a taste of classic Sierra slab climbing without complicated logistics. If you’re heading here, plan for prime seasons—spring through fall—when conditions balance sun with cooling breezes. The east-facing aspect protects you from the harsh afternoon sun prevalent in this region, keeping routes climbable and enjoyable throughout the day.

Whether your goal is to tick some solid 5.7 to 5.10 lines or push into test-piece territory on Ewe'll Like It, Fashion Slab offers a welcoming introduction to Bishop's slab style. This is a spot to confidently focus on footwork, enjoy steady friction, and soak in spectacular high desert scenery, all within a short walk of your car.